What Does a Graphic Designer Do?

From eye-catching logos to polished brochures and sleek websites, there’s likely an experienced graphic designer behind every pixel. Think about every piece of visual content you see in a day– graphic designers play a bigger role in our daily lives than many of us realise! But their role goes further than just making designs that look good.

In this blog, we’ll break down what a graphic designer actually does, the skills they use, and how their work helps bring ideas to life through impactful design. Whether you’re planning a project or getting ready to print, here’s what you need to know.

For personalised graphic design services and advice, contact our team at Gorilla Print today.

What is a Graphic Designer?

Graphic designers are creative professionals. They use visual elements– such as typography, colour, layout, and imagery– to communicate messages and ideas. Their goal is to create designs that are visually appealing and purposefully aligned with a brand or message.

Graphic designers work across a variety of media, including print and digital platforms. They combine artistic skill with technical tools– often using software like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign– to bring concepts to life.

What do Graphic Designers Work on?

Graphic designers work on any project that involves a visual element. If a project needs to communicate effectively and leave a strong impression, a graphic designer is usually involved in shaping how it looks and feels.

This can include:

• Branding
• Marketing materials
• Flyers
• Brochures
• Posters
• Magazines
• Packaging
• Websites
• App interfaces
• Ads
• Book layouts
• And much more!

Graphic Design Principles

Graphic designers are trained professionals. They understand the best way to compose different elements, match and arrange colours and design text to convey specific ideas.

But if you’re creating your own project, it can be hard to know where to begin. Start by keeping these key design principles in mind– they’ll help you build more effective, visually appealing designs.

1. Balance Your Elements

Balance ensures that visual elements are evenly distributed across a design. It helps create stability and structure, whether symmetrical (even on both sides) or asymmetrical (using contrast to achieve equilibrium). A well-balanced layout feels intentional and easy on the eyes.

2. Create Contrasts

Contrast draws attention and helps important elements stand out. It’s achieved through differences in colour, size, shape, font, or spacing. Without contrast, designs can look flat or confusing; strong contrast adds impact and improves readability.

3. Cohesive Ordering

Alignment creates order and connection between elements. Whether text, images, or shapes, everything should line up in a way that feels cohesive. Good alignment guides the viewer’s eye and makes the design feel polished and professional.

4. Repetition

Repetition is about reusing visual elements throughout a design to create consistency. This might include repeating colours, fonts, shapes, icons, or spacing.

When used effectively, repetition strengthens the overall structure and reinforces branding, making the design feel familiar and unified. It also helps tie different sections together, guiding the viewer through the content in a visually harmonious way.

How Skilled Professionals Make a Difference

Skilled graphic designers are essential for print projects because they know how to prepare files that look just as good on paper as they do on screen. They ensure correct resolution, colour mode, bleed, and layout– technical details that can make or break a print job.

With expert knowledge and experience, graphic designers can avoid common errors like pixelation or poor contrast, saving you from costly reprints or delays. Simply put, working with a professional ensures your print project is done right, the first time.

Looking for a Graphic Designer?

Finding a graphic designer you can trust to bring your image to life can be difficult, especially if you’ve never hired a designer before. At Gorilla Print, we have an in-house graphic design team available to support any and all customers who need graphic design advice and services.

From logos and brand development to print-ready artwork, style guides, infographics, and digital mockups, our designers can handle it all. Whether you need a full brand refresh or a one-off print piece, we combine creativity with technical know-how to ensure your designs are sharp, professional, and ready for any format.

Bring Clarity and Creativity to Your Prints

No matter your printing project, graphic designers ensure your efforts are eye-catching and professional, all while supporting your brand messaging. Without their expert guidance, you could waste valuable resources on projects that don’t meet your standards or needs.

At Gorilla Print, our experienced in-house graphic design team is always ready to bring unique and stunning designs to life. From initial concepts to print-ready work, we’ll support every stage of your project to ensure your satisfaction.

Don’t hesitate to call our friendly team today and get the support you need to make a difference.

DESIGN WITH THE EXPERTS